Zimtsterne (Star-Shaped Cinnamon Cookies)

Zimtsterne, also known as star-shaped cinnamon cookies, are a classic German holiday dessert that captivates with their warm aroma and rich texture. These cookies are made from ground almonds, fragrant cinnamon, and a sweet, glossy glaze of egg whites and powdered sugar. During preparation, their soft interior and crispy, shimmering exterior create a perfect combination that makes them irresistible. The cinnamon gives them a distinctly wintry and comforting note, while the lemon juice in the glaze adds a touch of freshness.

They are perfect for holiday tables and make a lovely gift when wrapped in decorative boxes. Serve them with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine for a complete festive experience.

Zimtsterne, also known as star-shaped cinnamon cookies, are a classic German holiday dessert that captivates with their warm aroma and rich texture. These cookies are made from ground almonds, fragrant cinnamon, and a sweet, glossy glaze of egg whites and powdered sugar. During preparation, their soft interior and crispy, shimmering exterior create a perfect combination that makes them irresistible. The cinnamon gives them a distinctly wintry and comforting note, while the lemon juice in the glaze adds a touch of freshness.

They are perfect for holiday tables and make a lovely gift when wrapped in decorative boxes. Serve them with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine for a complete festive experience.

Recipe for Zimtsterne (Star-Shaped Cinnamon Cookies)

Ingredients:

• 300 g ground almonds
• 250 g powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 3 egg whites (from medium eggs)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the glaze:

• 200 g powdered sugar
• 1 egg white
• A few drops of lemon juice

Preparation:

Making the dough:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a firm and shiny mixture.
3. Fold in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, ground almonds, and cinnamon. The dough should be sticky but firm.

Shaping the cookies:

1. Dust the surface with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick.
2. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the baking tray.

Preparing the glaze:

1. Whisk the egg white with powdered sugar and a few drops of lemon juice until you have a smooth glaze.
2. Thinly spread the glaze over the cookies using a brush or spoon.

Baking:

1. Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes at 150°C, ensuring they remain soft and that the glaze does not brown.
2. Let them cool completely before serving.

Nutritional values (per 1 cookie, out of 25 cookies):

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 9 g

Total: 45 minutes (15 minutes for preparation + 10-15 minutes for baking + 15 minutes for cooling)

Servings:
The recipe makes 25 cookies, which is enough for approximately 6-8 people, depending on how many cookies each person eats.